ALTHOUGH almost every employee grumbles and complains at one time or the other in his work life, not everyone knows how and when to present his/her complaint. As most employees fail to present their complaint adequately, all complaints are not adequately redressed.

Mastering the art of complaining, however, is not everyone’s cup of tea. But with proper practice one can master it to some extent. Such a practice even lightens the mind and body of the complainant making him more constructive and establishing his value, worth, reputation and popularity.

Sandwich technique

First technique is to learn to sandwich your complaint. A person who grumbles like a chronic complainer is considered a misfit, a crank by his bosses. But when the same person learns to be patient and sandwich his complaint, he is often given a patient hearing. This diplomatic twist is an art that enable you to lodge a bitter complaint to your boss without annoying him.
In order to master this remember the following points.

Never doubt your own worth. “A person who doubts himself is like a man who enlists in the ranks of the enemy and bears arms against himself.”

Why use derogatory terms and labels to prove your point? Be polite and humble. You just need a good result and don’t have to establish that you are right and that your boss is in the wrong.

Make use of juicy-sweet words. Present your complaint in three parts just as in a tasty sandwich. Your enticing opening should get the attention of your boss making him receptive to listen to whatever you have to say. Once he opens his ears, his eyes, too, would become wide open to read your complaint in further detail. Therein comes the spicy part of the sandwich. Now strike the iron while it is hot. Now make his mouth water creating a sense of suspense so that he may crave to know more about your genuine right and legitimacy. Then present your case in as great detail as you can. But beware of using any point of irritation lest he throws the pages into the dustbin.

The closing part of the complaint is the final layer of the sandwich. This part is not less important. Herein establish why your complaint deserves to be redressed at the earliest. Indicate and show why you deserve this and how you had been deprived of your right earlier. But never ignore the gratitude part. Tell your boss how grateful you would feel when you get your due. Be firm yet humble. No boss would ever tolerate the injustice done to you provided you know how to click, otherwise you generally miss.

Present the real picture

Just bear in mind that no boss ever wishes to be instructed how and when to solve your problem. That type of attitude surely goes against you. That way he will resist to do what you want him to do for you. Let him see the real picture for himself. You function is just to relate your problem. You just politely convey what you deserve, and why you deserve it. Convince him and then leave the matter to him.

Perfect timing

The time of giving the complaint by hand to the boss is of utmost importance. Never approach him when he is already engrossed in a problem bigger than your. He will most probably ignore you at once. And once you create that bad impression of interrupting him, you will always miss the winning mark.

Studies have shown that complaining if not treated or challenge makes a better impact upon the boss than otherwise. A complaint is not to give vent to your suppressed anger, but a calm and cool method of presenting your problem. It is not untimely abortion but a smooth delivery of your grudge and grievance. Herein you are claiming your right and want to get the justice. Here you are not to spout filthy words on the opponents but let the other party feel how you have the legitimate right to get what you have demanded.

Don’t cross the line

There is no question of persuading your boss to grant your wish at the cost of others.” Our business in life is not to get ahead to others, but to get ahead of ourselves.” The attitude of getting un-genuine benefits will make you feel guilty sooner or later. And your relations with others are spoilt forever. Even your near and dear ones will one day say how selfish you are! Judge your own feelings for a moment. So do others have their sentiments and emotions too! Hurting their feelings you lose your own peace of mind. Such a complaining would rather make you a loser instead of a gainer.

We can also apply these techniques in our daily married life and can live happy married life.